Wade Davis is the featured presenter this year. Wade is a renowned National Geographic explorer-in-residence, anthropologist, and writer. He holds the BC Leadership Chair in Cultures and Ecosystems at Risk at the University of British Columbia. Wade has been collaborating with Waterkeeper through its National Water Centre to examine the changing role of water in Canadian culture.

The gala raises funds to protect swimmable, drinkable, fishable water. This year’s event moves to the Canadian Broadcasting Centre (CBC) at 250 Front Street West in Toronto.

Quotes

“This is the biggest night of the year for water in Toronto. Leaders from different backgrounds support the Waterkeeper cause, because they know that swimmable, drinkable, fishable water is an essential part of Canadian life.” - Mark Mattson, Waterkeeper.

“I have followed Wade’s work for many years and had the privilege of knowing him for several. He is a walking ethnographic encyclopedia, a passionate environmental advocate and a brilliant, engaging thinker. We are deeply honoured he will join us this year.” - Jennifer Baichwal, Gala co-chair and filmmaker.

“RBC has a longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability and supporting of the protection of freshwater through the RBC Blue Water Project. This event helps raise awareness of the importance of water and the many water protection projects in Canada and we are proud to be part of such a special evening.” - Shari Austin, Vice President, RBC Corporate Citizenship and Executive Director, RBC Foundation.

There are 25 works of art in the auction: http://www.waterkeepergala.ca/art-2015

More presenters and special guests will be announced in April.

Proceeds from the gala support Swim Guide (the world’s most popular beach information app), the new Watermark Project (a digital archive and storytelling initiative that chronicles Canadians’ relationship with water), the National Water Centre (the country’s first facility dedicated to supporting water and Canadian culture), and local watershed protection activities.

The success of the Toronto gala has inspired a new sister event, the Waterkeeper Gala Vancouver. It takes place at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia on April 18.

Water Facts

20% of the world’s freshwater is in Canada.

With 46 kilometres of waterfront, 5 rivers, and 15 creeks, Toronto is the freshwater capital

An estimated 3.5-million people in Canada and the USA become ill after being exposed to pollution in the water each year.

There are 1,012 monitored beaches on the Great Lakes. Lake Erie, followed by Lake Ontario are most affected by water quality problems and swimming advisories.

Up to 70% of coastal wetlands on Lake Ontario have been filled in, eliminating habitat throughout the watershed.

The Great Lakes fishery continues to decline, with harvests expected to drop by 25% over the next 25 years.

There are more than 1,000 drinking water advisories in Canada on any given day.

Social Media Summary

The Waterkeeper Gala Toronto is headed to the Canadian Broadcasting Centre (CBC) on Thursday, April 23, 2015. Renowned explorer and anthropologist Wade Davis will be one of the special presenters at this year’s event. The evening also features a fine art auction curated by Nicholas Metivier and Edward Burtynsky and inspiring “Watermark” stories. The Waterkeeper Gala is the biggest night of the year for water in Toronto, raising $1.3-million since 2012. All proceeds support swimmable, drinkable, fishable water. Tickets are on sale now at www.waterkeepergala.ca.

Shareable Images:

Gord Downie performs with The Sadies at the 2014 Waterkeeper Gala: http://bit.ly/Gord2014Gala